Optical Intersatellite Link (OISL)
The laser-based crosslinks that turn Starlink into a mesh, anchor the SDA Transport Layer, and just made their GPS debut on GPS III SV10 - quietly rewriting how data moves through space.
STARLINK-2683 (48462)
COSPAR: 2021-040AL | Alt Name: Starlink 2683
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48462
International Designator
2021-040AL
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:52:27 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
8.98°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
62.79°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2683
Alternative Name
Starlink 2683
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48462U 21040AL 26185.20309076 .00027136 00000-0 88295-3 0 9994
2 48462 53.1594 8.9784 0001005 62.7893 297.3210 15.31702919284354
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-2683 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-040AL) is a Starlink communication satellite launched on May 9, 2021, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it was launched at a mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), STARLINK-2683 utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power supply and krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite is owned by SpaceX and manufactured in the US, operating within a communication mission framework.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
2.8
Span
9
Dry Mass
248
Launch Mass
260
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink V1.0-L27-35
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Krypton ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes)
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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